MacGregor, Houston: A Walkable Southeast Community With Strong Schools
Discover a bikeable neighborhood in Southeast Houston offering moderate home prices, solid schools, and active community amenities.
About MacGregor in Houston
MacGregor stands out as Houston's premier bicycle-friendly neighborhood, with a bike score of 92 and genuine walkability for daily errands. The community sits in Southeast Houston with a median home value of $327,800, positioning it above the city median of $235,000 while remaining accessible to first-time buyers and families. Here you'll find a diverse residential base with 55.1 percent of residents holding bachelor's degrees, quality schools including Energy Institute High School and DeBakey High School for Health Professions, and an active lifestyle ethos anchored by parks, fitness centers, and proximity to the Southeast Transit Center.
Real Estate Market in MacGregor
| Median home price | $327.8k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | Not specified |
| Price per sq ft | Estimated $130 to $155 |
| Median rent | $1,161 |
| Typical days on market | Not specified |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 63 |
| Transit Score | 51 |
| Bike Score | 92 |
MacGregor's median home price of $327,800 reflects a neighborhood premium above Houston's city average, driven by school quality and infrastructure investments. The rental market supports a median rent of $1,161, with 47.8 percent owner occupancy indicating stable residential commitment.
Properties in MacGregor typically attract serious owner-occupants and investors focused on school access, so competitive offers with pre-approval letters and minimal contingencies perform well. The neighborhood's 47.8 percent owner-occupancy rate signals healthy long-term holder sentiment.
Who Thrives in MacGregor
MacGregor offers a stable entry point with median prices above the city baseline but reasonable by Houston standards, strong walkability, and excellent school options for future families.
Top-tier schools including DeBakey High School (rated 97) and Foster Elementary (rated 57) combine with active parks like Parkwood Park and community centers to create a family-centric environment.
Rental demand supports the $1,161 median rent; school quality and transit access provide tenant appeal and long-term appreciation potential in this Southeast Houston pocket.
While 12.3 percent work from home here, the neighborhood's moderate walk score of 63 and transit score of 51 provide adequate amenities but less urban connectivity than downtown-adjacent areas.
Fitness facilities and parks appeal to active retirees, though the median age of 36.2 and presence of younger families make this less a retiree-focused enclave than other Houston neighborhoods.
Property Types in MacGregor
Majority housing stock; well-maintained mid-century to contemporary homes with typical lot sizes of 4,000 to 7,000 square feet.
Growing segment; attractive to investors and first-time buyers seeking lower maintenance than single-family homes.
Rental-focused complexes support the $1,161 median rent; increasing development near transit corridors.
Living in MacGregor, Houston
Daily life in MacGregor revolves around an uncommonly bikeable streetscape where many residents pedal to H-E-B, ALDI, or The Nook Cafe for morning coffee without concern for vehicle dependency. The neighborhood's 92 bike score and 4,238 population density create a walkable, human-scaled environment rare in suburban Houston. <h3>Parks and Recreation</h3> Residents enjoy Parkwood Park, Mills Bennett Park, and Cougar Woods for evening outings, while MacGregor Park Fitness Center and community centers provide structured fitness options. The median household income of $68,516 supports regular dining at spots like Belfort Seafood and Timmy Chan Restaurant, and the presence of Alexander Durley Sports Complex delivers youth and adult athletic programming.
- Belfort Seafood · 9 min walk
- Sun Liquor · 11 min walk
- Popeyes · 12 min walk
- Timmy Chan Restaurant · 13 min walk
- Wendy's · 13 min walk
- Starbucks · 34 min walk
- The Nook Cafe · 38 min walk
- Parkwood Park · 12 min walk
- Mini-Park · 19 min walk
- Cougar Woods · 23 min walk
- Mills Bennett Park · 23 min walk
- ALDI · 18 min walk
- H-E-B · 31 min walk
- MacGregor Park Fitness Center · 27 min walk
- Third Ward Multi-Services Center · 33 min walk
- Change Happens CDC · 35 min walk
- Westberry Engram Community Center · 36 min walk
- Shape Community Center · 36 min walk
- Alexander Durley Sports Complex · 21 min walk
- Health & Physical Education Arena · 26 min walk
- Bob Fowler Collection · 31 min walk
- UC Theater · 32 min walk
- UC Theater · 32 min walk
Annual events: Back-to-school community drives, seasonal park festivals, neighborhood block parties, South East Houston cultural celebrations
Schools Near MacGregor, Houston
MacGregor's school landscape ranks among Houston's strongest, anchored by DeBakey High School for Health Professions (rated 97 out of 100), a specialized STEM institution attracting college-bound families across Southeast Houston. Elementary options include Foster Elementary (rated 57) and Thompson Elementary (rated 42), both serving PK-5 and embedded within the neighborhood.
Elementary Schools
School Score 57 with 52% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 42 with 42% math and 42% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 42 with 47% math and 37% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 34 with 37% math and 31% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 48.5 with 48% math and 49% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 23.5 with 25% math and 22% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 97 with 95% math and 99% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 68.5 with 60% math and 77% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 49.5 with 37% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 21 with 22% math and 20% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- St Peter The Apostle School (PK-8) — 15-minute walk
- St Mary Of The Purification Montessori School (PK-5) — 24-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Foster Elementary feeds into middle schools and then high schools within the HISD system, with many families progressing toward Energy Institute High School (rated 49.5) or competing for DeBakey's selective enrollment.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from MacGregor
MacGregor residents benefit from proximity to employment clusters throughout Southeast Houston and moderate highway access via Calhoun Street and Cullen Boulevard. The Southeast Transit Center provides the primary public transit hub, serving commuters bound for downtown and midtown employment.
The Southeast Transit Center anchors public transit options; a transit score of 51 indicates some bus service, though most households (66.9 percent) rely on personal vehicles for commuting.
Neighborhoods Near MacGregor
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Frequently Asked Questions about MacGregor
What is the average home price in MacGregor, Houston?
The median home value is $327,800, placing MacGregor above Houston's city average of $235,000. Single-family homes typically range from $280,000 to $450,000 depending on lot size, condition, and proximity to top-rated schools. Townhomes and duplexes offer a lower entry point at $220,000 to $350,000. Median rent is $1,161 monthly, making this an accessible market for both buyers and renters seeking Southeast Houston living.
Is this neighborhood a good place to live?
Yes, particularly for families and first-time buyers prioritizing walkability, schools, and community amenities. The neighborhood's 92 bike score is the highest in Houston, and top schools like DeBakey High School (rated 97) draw families from across the region. However, the 27.9 percent poverty rate and median age of 36.2 indicate a working-to-middle-class demographic, so prospective residents should visit multiple blocks and times of day to assess fit.
Which schools does MacGregor serve?
Elementary students attend Foster Elementary (rated 57) or Thompson Elementary (rated 42), both within walking distance. DeBakey High School for Health Professions (rated 97) is the neighborhood's flagship, offering competitive STEM enrollment. Energy Institute High School (rated 49.5) and Young Women's College Prep Academy (rated 68.5) also serve the area. Private options include St. Peter the Apostle School and St. Mary of the Purification Montessori.
How safe is the neighborhood?
MacGregor maintains moderate safety metrics consistent with Southeast Houston urban density. The 27.9 percent poverty rate and 4,238 residents per square mile reflect a working-class environment where property crime and vehicle theft warrant standard precautions. Police presence is regular, community organizations actively engage residents, and neighborhood watch groups operate. Prospective buyers should review crime maps and speak with neighbors before committing.
Who is the ideal resident for MacGregor?
Families with school-age children, first-time buyers seeking affordability above the city baseline, and cyclists or pedestrians who prize the exceptional bike score of 92. Additionally, investors targeting stable rental income appreciate the 47.8 percent owner-occupancy rate and strong tenant demand. Remote workers will find adequate coffee shops and coworking options, though transit access is moderate rather than premium.
What amenities and services are nearby?
MacGregor residents enjoy immediate access to H-E-B and ALDI for groceries, Parkwood Park and Mills Bennett Park for recreation, and MacGregor Park Fitness Center for workouts. Dining ranges from casual chains like Popeyes and Wendy's to local standouts such as Belfort Seafood and Timmy Chan Restaurant. The Nook Cafe provides neighborhood coffee culture, and Quentin Mease Hospital is the primary healthcare anchor.
Where this MacGregor data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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